$900k for ‘projects’
FOUR organisations received a total of $900,000 from the Japanese government recently.
Japanese ambassador to Fiji Kawakami Fumihiro signed grant contracts and formalised assistance to Habitat for Humanity, the Land Transport Authority, Nairai Development Cooperative and Sai Prema Foundation.
“Habitat For Humanity Fiji will be provided $US199,200 ($F412,188) for the project for improvement of water and sanitation environment which through its expertise will implement projects for improvement of water supply at Toki Village in Ra as well as construct toilet facilities at Navunisea District School in Tailevu and Nawaisomo Primary School in Naitasiri,” Mr Fumihiro said.
“Japan will also provide $US89,354 ($F184,893) for the project for provision of emission testing equipment to the Land Transport Authority.
“This funding is a crucial part of our support for the Government’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Nairai Development Coopeartive will be provided $US23,685 ($F49,000) for the project for construction of tilapia ponds in Nasautoka Village, Wainibuka.
“The project is expected to benefit more than 300 people in the community through improving food security and their livelihoods by providing an opportunity to earn income through sale of tilapia to consumers they can access.
“The Sai Prema Foundation of Fiji will be provided $US134,361 ($F278,022) for the project for provision of medical service vehicle for Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre.
“This funding will not only benefit rural communities but also approximately 2000 children a year, who will now be able to access heart scans and specialised heart disease diagnostics through this mobile outreach.
“This project will enable the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre to conduct health services remotely and also strengthen its ability to provide 24 hours emergency services as well.”
Mr Fumihiro said formalising the projects would address priority areas in Fiji’s key sectors and help Fiji achieve sustainable development goals.
He said the projects were implemented under Japan’s Grassroot Grant Assistance scheme that has conducted 403 projects in Fiji since 1990 with a total value exceeding $US29 million ($F60 million).
During Mr Fumihiro’s term, 10 projects have been formalised worth more than $US1.2 million ($F2.4 million).